I left you all last time pondering the best way to learn lines. I'd looked at using a Dictaphone, getting to whole cast to record it, or even using Que cards. So what other ways are their to learn lines? Anyone in amateur theatre knows how important it is.
4. Mind Mapping - Walking it through, Roman Style!
This suggestion made me think a lot. Amateur Theatre requires similar levels of professionalism to professional theatre (if it is to be successful). So employing such a technique, with
proven scientific pedigree (yes I know wikipedia isn't THAT scientific) would make sense. It involves using spacial awareness to help you learn lines. Like, walking through a garden, and associating your lines with different points in the garden. By unlocking an otherwise unused part of the brain, more mental capacity is used.
It's great in theory. However, if my last paragraph hasn't given this away, I must admit I don't quite understand it. I saw the technique used on TV, and I still didn't understand it. It does seem to work, but in order to put it into practice in amateur theatre seems a little extreme. By all means, try it, but I think there must be a simpler way.
5. Little by Little
This is another tried and tested method, practically written in the bible of amateur theatre. Learn your lines just a little bit at a time. Do a scene, part of a scene, or even a page, make sure you get it right, then move on to your next objective. Perfect, you learn the lines, and you will have confidence on opening night right?
It is a well thought out idea. Yet I know many in amateur theatre will be thinking, "How long can this take?" There's the problem. Time is a problem people in amateur theatre are all too aware of. If you have a big part, learning lines in this way may leave you rushing to the end. The ending of the play being the bit people will remember. It's a worthwhile technique, but do require a time commitment that not everyone can give.
6. During Rehearsals
I must admit that this is the method I usually use to learn my lines. I find that lines flow more organically within the setting that is the stage. I worry before any amateur theatre production because the lines aren't always readily there. Yet when i get on stage, I find it easier, because I'm in the situation those lines were meant for. Maybe its to do with spacial awareness again (those Romans might be cleverer than I thought...)
However, it's risky. If you aren't sure going on, how can you be sure it will be alright on the night? How do you know you will remember them? There are hundreds of words to learn, if you paraphrase even one, how much could you throw your fellow cast members? I've dried on stage before. Could this be half the problem? Do I leave my lines too late?
.....Does It Really Matter?
The final sticking point. In amateur theatre, how dangerous is dropping the odd line? Answer? Not a lot. You and your fellow cast members have been doing these scenes time and time again. With a strong cast round you, you can get away with it. When I've dropped lines in the past, I've asked people I knew in the audience and they never notice. So enjoy the thrill of amateur theatre. Learn your lines, but above all, enjoy it!
Want to get involved in amateur theatre in Wolverhampton and Codsall? Visit Codsall Dramatic Society or like us on Facebook.
Come see our next amateur theatre production in Wolverhampton and
Codsall, The Memory of Water, by Shelagh Stephenson, 25th-28th September at Codsall Village Hall.
